Circuits, machines and systems that heal

Abstract

This invention pertains to machines, circuits, and programs that can heal, using a principle of self-modifiability. In some embodiments, a machine can self-modify its machine instructions when one or more instructions are missing or corrupted or malfunctioning. In some embodiments, a machine uses a meta instruction to heal its instructions. In some embodiments, the invention describes a flip-flop circuit that can heal its computation when the circuit is sabotaged by a noise attack. In some embodiments, a self-modifiable circuit uses meta variables and meta operators as a part of the circuit design to heal the circuit when it is attacked.

The invention claimed is: 
     
         1 . A circuit-implemented method comprising:
 wherein a circuit contains a first subcircuit and a second subcircuit and a third subcircuit;   wherein the first subcircuit computes the digital logic of a D flip-flop;   wherein the second subcircuit computes the digital logic of a D flip-flop;   wherein the first subcircuit has a first output line, and the second subcircuit has a second output line;   wherein the third subcircuit receives input from the first output line and the second output line;   wherein the third subcircuit measures a voltage difference between the input of the first output line and the input of the second output line;   wherein if the voltage difference exceeds a threshold voltage, the third subcircuit adjusts the voltage of the first output line to the same voltage as the second output line;   wherein the first subcircuit contains at least one NAND gate;   wherein the second subcircuit contains at least one NAND gate;   wherein the third subcircuit contains an operational amplifier.   
     
     
         2 . The circuit-implemented method of  claim 1  comprising:
 wherein the at least one NAND gate in the first subcircuit is constructed from transistors; 
 and wherein the at least one NAND gate in the second subcircuit is constructed from transistors.